Zulum Calls for AI-Driven Security Reform at Kogi Summit, Urges Tackling of Root Causes of Insecurity

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy, urging greater adoption of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address escalating security challenges across the country.

Speaking at the Kogi Security Summit held in Abuja on Tuesday, Zulum warned that conventional security approaches are no longer sufficient to confront increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. He advocated the integration of modern surveillance systems, including drones, biometric tracking technologies, and predictive analytics to detect and prevent attacks before they occur.

“For us to address insecurity, we need to possess modern technological warfare. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics are now being deployed globally to combat crime,” the governor said.

Beyond technological investment, Zulum emphasised the importance of citizen participation in security management, insisting that communities must take greater responsibility in intelligence sharing and local vigilance rather than relying solely on security agencies.

He further stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing the socio-economic drivers of insecurity. According to him, widespread poverty, unemployment, infrastructural decay, and environmental vulnerabilities continue to fuel recruitment into criminal groups.

“While it is critical to purchase equipment such as vehicles, MRAPs, drones and other facilities to confront insecurity, most importantly, without addressing underlying factors such as poverty, road infrastructure, agriculture, among others, insecurity will not end,” Zulum said, urging policymakers to channel part of security funding into development-focused interventions.

He added that “understanding the socio-economic and political dimensions of every crisis is very important. Increasing poverty, climate vulnerabilities, infrastructural deficit, illiteracy, among others, have to be addressed if we want security in our communities.”

Reiterating the link between peace, security, and development, the governor noted that no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of instability.

“The security of lives and property is the cardinal objective of any administration. The nexus between peace and security cannot be overemphasised. It is only when there is security that there will be peace; and without peace, there will be no development,” he said.

Governor Zulum was accompanied at the summit by Hon. Engr. Bukar Talba, member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Federal Constituency

Zulum Calls for AI-Driven Security Reform at Kogi Summit, Urges Tackling of Root Causes of Insecurity

Zulum Rolls Out N1bn Transport Support, Distributes 500 Electric Tricycles to Borno Riders

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has unveiled a sweeping transport intervention package valued at ₦1 billion, alongside the distribution of 500 electric tricycles to operators across Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.

The initiative, which targets 1,000 Keke NAPEP riders, is part of the state government’s broader strategy to modernize urban mobility, reduce operating costs, and cushion the economic strain on transporting workers and residents.

The eco-friendly tricycles were originally inaugurated on December 20, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a significant collaboration between federal and state authorities to promote sustainable transport solutions.

Speaking at the launchiNg held at the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum described the programme as a deliberate effort to empower vulnerable operators while advancing environmental sustainability.

“This initiative is not just about distributing tricycles; it is about restoring dignity, improving livelihoods, and creating a more efficient and affordable transportation system for our people,” the governor said.

He emphasized that the electric tricycles, procured months earlier, are designed to lower operational costs and reduce dependence on fuel, while contributing to a cleaner urban environment.

To ensure accessibility, the state government has committed to subsidizing 30 percent of the cost of each tricycle, with a structured repayment plan to be managed by a designated committee.

“The subsidy is intended to ease the financial burden on beneficiaries and guarantee that the programme remains inclusive and impactful,” Zulum added, stressing the need for strict adherence to operational guidelines to sustain the initiative.

Beyond the tricycle distribution, the governor announced a direct financial intervention targeting 16,783 registered riders drawn from 25 transport associations. Each beneficiary is to receive ₦50,000, as part of measures to mitigate the impact of prevailing economic challenges.

According to Zulum, the ₦1 billion support package underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening the informal transport sector, which remains a critical component of urban mobility and job creation in the state.

Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee, Hon. Saina Buba, disclosed that each electric tricycle has a range of up to 65 kilometers per charge, making them both efficient and cost-effective for daily operations.

He noted that beneficiaries were transparently selected through their respective associations, without political interference, to ensure fairness and credibility in the process.

The event drew top government functionaries and political leaders, including members of the National Assembly and the Borno State House of Assembly, underscoring the significance of the intervention in the state’s economic recovery and development agenda.

Observers say the programme could serve as a model for other states seeking to integrate clean energy solutions into public transportation while addressing unemployment and rising living costs.

Zulum Rolls Out N1bn Transport Support, Distributes 500 Electric Tricycles to Borno Riders

Zulum Visits Ngoshe, Pledges Reconstruction of Damaged Infrastructure

…Vows Ngoshe Will Not Fall Again

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, visited Ngoshe which is about 40 kilometres away from Gwoza to see for himself the level of damage.

Zulum, who has embarked on a two-day confidence and resilience-building tour to victims of recent Boko Haram attacks in Ngoshe and Pulka, disbursed cash and relief items to over 30,000 people affected by the recent incident.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the affected community, the governor described the level of destruction as shocking and heartbreaking.

“It is saddening to see this kind of devastation. In recent times, I have not witnessed such destruction. It is sheer madness, but Insha Allah, we shall build back better,” the governor said.

He assured residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area that government will rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed by recent attacks, while intensifying security efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

Zulum said he had directed officials of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to immediately assess the extent of the damage with a view to rehabilitating all burnt structures.

“I am here with representatives of the Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, and I have directed them to assess the level of damage so that all the burnt infrastructure can be rehabilitated,” he said.

The governor noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had recently released funds to the Multinational Joint Task Force to boost military operations in the region.

“I am pleased to announce the support and funding recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Multinational Joint Task Force for military operations in this general area,” he said.

He explained that the Mandara Hills remain a major stronghold for insurgents, stressing that the only effective response is to take the battle directly to them.

The governor commended the military authorities, particularly the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and the Brigade Commander, for their renewed effort in Ngoshe.

According to him, security presence in the area has now been significantly reinforced.

“The military has taken over Ngoshe again. They have increased the number of personnel in Ngoshe by 100 per cent, and I believe with what they have done so far, we will keep Ngoshe secure,” Zulum added.

…Vows Ngoshe Will Not Fall Again

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal Government and Borno State Government to decisively address the lingering security challenges in the state, assuring residents of Ngoshe that the town will not be allowed to fall back into the control of insurgents insha Allah.

Addressing troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion Ngoshe, Zulum said efforts are ongoing to strengthen the military’s capacity.

“I want to assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, and indeed the Government of Borno State, in partnership with the Armed Forces, will do everything possible to contain the lingering security situation,” he said.

The governor emphasized the strategic importance of Ngoshe, warning that its fall could have wider security implications for surrounding communities.

“Ngoshe is very important. The fall of Ngoshe would send a very bad signal to Pulka, Kirawa, Gwoza, and even Bama. We shall not allow this town to be taken over again by insurgents.”

Governor Babagana Zulum was accompanied on the visit by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, member House of Assembly representing Gwoza, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Mohammed Lawan Buba, and Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, among other personalities.

Zulum Visits Ngoshe, Pledges Reconstruction of Damaged Infrastructure